Boerger’s Interpreted New Testament

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For twenty years, Daniel Boerger advised Bible translations in the South Pacific's Solomon Islands. Boerger has a lot of experience working with the Bible. With some commentary and explanatory notes, the Interpreted New Testament aims to provide a clearly understood interpreted paraphrase of the New Testament text. Because additional material (like elucidating remarks) has been incorporated into the text that is not present in the original Greek text, it is neither a simple paraphrase nor a translation. The book by Boerger is not intended to be a stand- alone Bible or to take the place of a literal translation for serious study; rather, it is meant to be an adjunct to your studies, much like a commentary.

With a degree in theology under my belt, I am aware of how the New Testament's material is not always as clear to readers as it was to its original audience. There are other explanations for this, but The Interpreted New Testament by Daniel Boerger, in my opinion, does a great deal to address the issue. The author of this book has given us a work that is simple to read and comprehend. It is jam-packed with features meant to make the meaning understandable and approachable, especially for those who are not acquainted with the New Testament. Although the author refers to this work as a "expanded paraphrase," Boerger does not appear to be bending the Bible in any way.

Boerger's representations are undoubtedly clear, but they fall squarely into the conservative interpretation camp. Though more readable than footnotes, in-line commentary offers more background information in an italicized font to make it stand out from the Scripture text. Because the author provides a detailed explanation of the theory and technique that underpin every component of The Interpreted New Testament, the work has greater credibility. 

There is no translation from Greek into this understood paraphrase. The terms "interpreted" meaning derives from the views of theologically conservative thinkers. The Greek writers employed distinct vocabulary to connect ideas and sections, which becomes lost in an interpretation such as this one. The original text can be unclear at times. Because the book adopts a specific meaning, it has suppressed alternative interpretations. However, this also occurs with regular translations. Occasionally the original text utilizes figurative language that is unclear to readers today, however, this is hardly a "disadvantage." Occasionally, the text will substitute words or a picture, or it will omit the illustration entirely, explain the author's meaning to the audience, and provide further information in a comment.

Boerger’s work is quite beneficial in helping me see my own presumptions and unwitting familiarity with the text. This book allows me to check myself in order to uncover underlying assumptions, some of which may differ significantly from those held by others. Because of this, I find this book to be very helpful in making sure that the translations I review effectively and appropriately convey the entire complexity of the biblical message within their social and cultural environment. This book would be useful and enjoyable for readers of the New Testament at all skill levels.

Buy it on Amazon or from Fontes Press

Review Disclosure: I received this book free from Fontes Press. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html.


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